Social Security Disability with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is otherwise known as Muscular Rheumatism, Fibromyositis, FM and Fibrositis. It is a chronic pain disorder that leads to untold suffering among millions of people living in the United States.

Despite the fact that Fibromyalgia causes pain all over the body, it is extremely difficult to diagnose, since there is no definite or known medical cause attributed to it.

To ascertain if a patient suffers from Fibromyalgia, a “diagnosis of exclusion” will be performed on such patient. This is after it has been established through extensive testing that he or she is free from ailments like bone, nerve, muscle or, muscle disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, anemia, or possible infections.

Although, despite suffering from fibromyalgia will not prevent you from working either full time or part-time, it is often difficult to cope with working, due to the severe fatigue and pain. In view of this, if you discover your inability to work due to fibromyalgia, you can apply for disability. It is however not easy to scale through the process due to rules about work capacity.

Is It Possible To Get Disability Due To Fibromyalgia?

Inside Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there is no listing for medical conditions constituting disabilities. Rather, there is a general definition of disability according to the act, which every person must meet. In this situation, some people with fibromyalgia will have a disability under the ADA and others will not.

Since it is extremely difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia, other conditions are usually verified via a physical examination and various blood tests. Ensure you are absolutely sure that you are suffering from fibromyalgia prior your application for disability.

The federal regulations stipulate that to qualify for disability, you must prove that you have a severe impairment. You also need to prove that your physical or mental ability to do work is limited by the impairment.

According to Social Security disability regulations, disability is the inability to do any substantial gainful activity due to your medical or mental problem. The Social Security Administration stipulates that your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities; otherwise, your claim will be ignored since you will be seen as a person who is not disabled.

Another factor that is considered for disability is the combined effect of having multiple impairments. You must be unable to do your previous work or any other substantial gainful activity. Besides, consideration is given to your education, age, work experience and remaining abilities.

Applying For Disability

Applying for disability benefits involve calling the Social Security office. They will provide the required information to you by mail, over the phone or even online. Specific questions about the extent to which the ailment has affected you will be asked. You are however required to provide straightforward and honest response. You will be required to state the details of your doctors, who will be contacted to provide further medical records.

Additional Proofs for Disability

Besides information about your fibromyalgia symptoms, you should state its signs and explain how its severe pain impacts your ability to work. The Social Security staff will look into all these.

When the entire documents reveal that you are disabled, this is when you will be granted disability with benefits. You will be invited for examination by a doctor approved by the Social Security Administration in case more comprehensive information is required.

What If I’m not Approved For Disability?

It is not uncommon seeing many fibromyalgia patients being denied for disability for the first application. If you fall into this category, you are entitled to appeal before a judge who specializes in these cases. However, if you have legal counsel, the chance that your case will be approved is usually more guaranteed.

Documentation Needed To Get Disability

It is important to get detailed documents from the doctor which comprises all prescribed medications, therapies, and lifestyle remedies necessary to solve the problem. In addition, a rheumatologist will evaluate you. Besides, a detailed assessment of your impairment along with a list of the various tests and treatments should be provided by your doctor.

Request for Help from Professionals

If you are disabled because of a Fibromyalgia disability that prevents you from working, you may well be considered for Social Security Disability benefits.

Although, total disability based on a Fibromyalgia condition can be difficult to prove compared to other disabling conditions, it is recommended you consult medical professionals and a qualified disability attorney who will ensure that your case have the highest possible chance of success by tendering your relevant documents to support your disability claim before the Disability Determination Services (DDS).

Contact a Social Security lawyer to assist you in building a strong case file, potentially shorten the wait for disability benefits, and may even increase your chances of being found eligible under the SSA’s guidelines for disability.